Image display apparatus, external device, image display method, and image display system

ABSTRACT

An image display apparatus includes an image reception unit that receives image data from an external device, a display unit that displays an image related to the image data, a setting changing unit that changes, in accordance with an instruction determined in advance, a setting determined in advance, an image determination unit that determines whether or not a prescribed pattern determined in advance is included in the image related to the image data, a storage unit that holds the instruction in association with the prescribed pattern in advance, and a control unit that, when the image determination unit determines that the prescribed pattern is included in the image related to the image data, causes the setting changing unit to change the setting in accordance with the instruction associated with the prescribed pattern.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure relates to an image display apparatus, anexternal device, an image display method, and an image display system.

2. Description of the Related Art

An existing function of, in a case where one or more external devicessuch as personal computers (PCs) are connected to an image displayapparatus such as a display apparatus, switching videos or images(hereinafter, “images”) input from two or more external devices or animage input from one or more external devices and an image of a mainbody of the image display apparatus and displaying the images in onescreen of a display unit of the image display apparatus has been known.There also have been known a Picture By Picture (PBP) function ofarranging and displaying such images in two or more small screens, aPicture In Picture (PIP) function of displaying a small screen in alarge main screen, and the like.

In a case where an operation of changing an image input from an externaldevice is performed in the image display apparatus having suchfunctions, the operation is generally performed directly by an operationkey, a touch panel, or the like of the image display apparatus orperformed by an attached remote controller.

However, a method of directly operating the image display apparatus isnot convenient for a user of an external device installed in a placeapart from the image display apparatus. In a case of an operation methodusing the remote controller as well, it is difficult for the user toperform the operation immediately unless the remote controller is onhand, so that the user needs to ask another user to pass the remotecontroller. Further, in a case where the image display apparatus towhich the external device is connected or the attached remote controllerhas a type different from a type with which the user is familiar, theremay be a problem that the user needs to newly learn an operation method.

On the other hand, as a method of changing an image without directlyoperating the image display apparatus or using the attached remotecontroller or the like, for example, an information processing apparatusthat includes an image combining unit configured to, in a case where acommand input from an interface is identified as a command to specify achange of an image, output an image signal of an image, which isobtained by combining an image that is newly displayed on a displayscreen of a display apparatus in response to the command and an imagethat is currently displayed on the display screen, to the displayapparatus is disclosed (for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined PatentApplication Publication No. 2010-004486).

By using such a command to specify a change of an image, the externaldevice is able to directly perform, an operation of changing an inputimage for the image display apparatus, so that a direct operation of theimage display apparatus or an operation of changing the image by usingthe remote controller is not necessary.

However, in a case where an image change by a command is performed, itis necessary to construct a network by the RS-232C, the Ethernet, or thelike in advance and construct a system for command control. Inparticular, in a case where a plurality of external devices areconnected to the image display apparatus by different connectionmethods, it is necessary to construct a system according to therespective connection methods, thus causing a problem that the system isvery complicated.

SUMMARY

The disclosure is made in view of such circumstances and provides animage display apparatus, an image display method, and an image displaysystem that enable an external device to easily change a setting withoutusing a special system for command control.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an imagedisplay apparatus including: an image reception unit that receives imagedata from an external device; a display unit that displays an imagerelated to the image data; a setting changing unit that changes, inaccordance with an instruction determined in advance, a settingdetermined in advance; an image determination unit that determineswhether or not a prescribed pattern determined in advance is included inthe image related to the image data; a storage unit that holds theinstruction in association with the prescribed pattern in advance; and acontrol unit that, when the image determination unit determines that theprescribed pattern is included in the image related to the image data,causes the setting changing unit to change the setting in accordancewith the instruction associated with the prescribed pattern.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an imagedisplay method including: receiving image data from an external deviceand displaying an image related to the image data; receiving aprescribed pattern associated with an instruction related to a change ofa setting determined in advance; determining whether or not theprescribed pattern is included in the image related to the image data;and, when it is determined in the determining that the prescribedpattern is included, changing the setting in accordance with theinstruction associated with the prescribed pattern.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an imagedisplay system, including an external device and an image displayapparatus, in which the external device includes: an input operationunit that receives an input operation, from, a user; a prescribedpattern generation unit that generates, on a basis of the inputoperation, a prescribed pattern associated with an instruction for theimage display apparatus in advance; a device display unit that displaysan image; a device image processing unit that generates a superimposingimage in which the prescribed pattern is superimposed with the image; animage output unit that outputs image data related to the superimposingimage to the image display apparatus; and a device control unit thatcontrols the input operation unit, the prescribed pattern generationunit, the device display unit, the device image processing unit, and theimage output unit, and the image display apparatus includes: an imagereception unit that receives image data output from the external device;a display unit that displays an image related to the image data; asetting changing unit that changes a setting determined in advance; animage determination unit that determines whether or not the prescribedpattern is included in the image related to the image data; a storageunit that holds the instruction in association with the prescribedpattern in advance; and a control unit that controls the image receptionunit, the display unit, the setting changing unit, the imagedetermination unit, and the storage unit. When the input operation unitreceives an input operation indicating that an instruction for the imagedisplay apparatus is to be transmitted, the device control unit causesthe prescribed pattern generation unit to generate the prescribedpattern associated with the instruction in advance, causes the deviceimage processing unit to generate a superimposing image in which theprescribed pattern is superimposed with the image, and causes the imageoutput unit to output image data related to the superimposing image tothe image display apparatus, and, when the image determination unitdetermines that the prescribed pattern is included in the image relatedto the image data, the control unit causes the setting changing unit tochange the setting in accordance with the instruction associated withthe prescribed pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of animage display system according to the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of anexternal device according to the disclosure;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory views illustrating an outline of animage switching operation for an image to be displayed on a display unitof an image display apparatus according to the disclosure, in which FIG.3A illustrates an example where images input from external devices aresubjected to PBP display on the display unit of the image displayapparatus in the image display system according to the disclosure andFIG. 3B illustrates a case where an image that is displayed in a smallscreen and an image that is displayed in a large screen are switched fordisplay in the display unit of the image display apparatus of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating procedure of an image switchingoperation in an external device for an image to be displayed on thedisplay unit of the image display apparatus according to the disclosure;

FIGS. 5A to 5C are explanatory views illustrating a specific example ofthe image switching operation in the external device for the image to bedisplayed on the display unit of the image display apparatus accordingto Embodiment 1 of the disclosure and illustrating a series of procedureof the image switching operation in the external device;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating procedure of the image switchingoperation in the image display apparatus for the image to be displayedon the display unit of the image display apparatus according toEmbodiment 1 of the disclosure;

FIGS. 7A to 7C are explanatory views illustrating a specific example ofan image switching operation in an external device for an image to bedisplayed on a display unit of an image display apparatus according toEmbodiment 2 of the disclosure and illustrating a series of procedure ofthe image switching operation in the external device; and

FIGS. 8A to 8C are explanatory views illustrating a specific example ofan image switching operation in an external device for an image to bedisplayed on a display unit of an image display apparatus according toEmbodiment 3 of the disclosure and illustrating a series of procedure ofthe image switching operation in the external device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the disclosure will be described in more detail withreference to drawings. Note that, the following description is to beconstrued as illustrative and not limitative in all respects.

Embodiment 1

<Configuration of Image Display System 100>

An image display system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the disclosurewill be described,

Note that, though a case of switching of an image will be exemplarilydescribed in the following embodiment as an example of a change of asetting that is determined in advance, the disclosure is applicable notonly to switching of an image but also to setting of contrast,luminance, or the like of an image and a change of an image such asrotation of the image.

The disclosure is also applicable not only to setting of an image butalso to setting of increasing or decreasing a sound volume or switchingMUTE or a color mode, and setting of turning on or off setting of anetwork.

A configuration of the image display system 100 of the disclosure willbe described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of theimage display system 100 according to the disclosure and FIG. 2 is ablock diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an externaldevice 2 according to the disclosure.

The image display system 100 is constituted by an image displayapparatus 1 and two or more external devices 2 a to 2 d, and the two ormore external devices 2 a to 2 d are respectively connected to imagereception units 11 a to 11 d of the image display apparatus 1 throughimage cables 3 a to 3 d.

Note that, the image display system 100 is not limited to be constitutedby the two or more external devices 2 a to 2 d and may be constituted bythe image display apparatus 1 and one external device 2, for example,

The image display apparatus 1 is an apparatus that displays an image; orvideo (hereinafter, simply referred to as an “image”) such as a movingimage, a still image, or a 3-D image, and examples thereof includedisplays of a television, a personal computer (PC), a public display, adigital signage display, a monitor, and an electronic black board.

The image display apparatus 1 may have a touch panel function ofallowing an operation through touching a screen.

The image display apparatus 1 has a function of switching images inputfrom the two or more external devices 2 a to 2 d for PBP or PIP displayon a display unit 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image display apparatus 1 of thedisclosure mainly includes a control unit 10, the image reception units11 a to 11 d, memories for display 12 a to 12 d, an image processingunit 13, the display unit 14, a memory for image determination 15, animage determination unit 16, and a storage unit 17.

Components of the image display apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 willbe described below.

The control unit 10 is a circuit mainly constituted of a microprocessor,and is an arithmetic device that performs processing of controllingvarious devices, and processing of an operating system, applicationsoftware, or the like. Moreover, an ASIC (Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit), which is an integrated circuit designed andproduced for a specific purpose, or a circuit having other arithmeticfunctions may be included as a peripheral circuit.

The image reception units 11 a to 11 d are parts for respectivelyreceiving image signals input from the external devices 2 a to 2 dthrough the image cables 3 a to 3 d and a not-illustrated video inputterminal.

Examples of types of image signals include image signals of an analoginput terminal such as a VGA terminal or a component terminal, a digitalinput element such as a DVI terminal, an HDMI (registered trademark)terminal, or a DisplayPort terminal, and a video input terminal of acontrol system such as a USB connector.

Further, the image reception units 11 a to 11 d may receive imagesignals transmitted in a wireless manner using Bluetooth (registeredtrademark), a wireless LAN, or the like without being limited to receiveimage signals transmitted in a wired manner.

The memories for display 12 a to 12 d are parts for respectively storingimage data received by the image reception units 11 a to 11 d.

The image processing unit 13 is a part for performing processing ofgenerating a divided image, a PIP (Picture in Picture) image, or thelike on the basis of the image data stored in the memories for display12 a to 12 d.

The image processing unit 13 also performs processing, for example, suchas image adjustment, color correction, γ correction, double speedprocessing, OSD generation, or OSD superimposition.

The display unit 14 is a part for displaying an image processed by theimage processing unit 13.

The display unit 14 is constituted by, for example, a CRT display, aliquid crystal display, an EL display, or the like, and is a displaydevice, such as a monitor or a line display, used for an operatingsystem or application software to display electronic data such as aprocessing sate.

The display unit 14 may have a display surface covered by a touch panelto allow a touch panel operation by detecting a position of a fingertipor the like of a user contacting the display surface.

The memory for image determination 15 is a part for temporarily storingthe image data, which is stored in the memories for display 12 a to 12d, for determination by the image determination unit 16.

The image determination unit 16 is a part for determining whether or notthe image data stored in the memory for image determination 15 includesa prescribed pattern SP determined in advance.

The storage unit 17 is a part for holding, for example, programs andother data of control processing for various components of the imagedisplay apparatus 1, an operating system of the image display apparatus1, application software installed on the image display apparatus 1, andthe like.

The storage unit 17 also holds an image switching instruction, which isdetermined in advance, in association with the prescribed pattern SPdetermined in advance.

Next, the external devices 2 a to 2 d illustrated in FIG. 1 are devicesthat are connected to the image display apparatus 1 and output imagesignals. Examples of the external devices 2 a to 2 d include devices ofpersonal computers (PCs), mobile terminals such as smartphones ortablets, DVD recorders, and televisions.

In the following description, the external devices 2 a to 2 d arecollectively called the external device 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the external device 2 of the disclosure mainlyincludes a device control unit 20, an input operation unit 21, a devicestorage unit 22, a prescribed pattern generation unit 23, a device imageprocessing unit 24, a device display unit 25, and an image output unit26, and the image output unit 26 is connected to the image displayapparatus 1 through an image cable 3.

Components of the external device 2 illustrated in FIG. 2 will bedescribed below.

The device control unit 20 is a part for controlling each unit of theexternal device 2 and has a similar configuration to that of the controlunit 10.

The input operation unit 21 is a part for transmitting an instruction orthe like from the user to the device control unit 20 by an operation ofan electronic icon through a touch panel or an operation of a physicalkey with respect to an operating system of the external device 2 orapplication software installed on the external device 2.

The device storage unit 22 is a part for holding, for example, programsand other data of control processing for various components of theexternal device 2, the operating system, of the external device 2, theapplication software installed on the external device 2, and the like.

The prescribed pattern generation unit 23 is a part for generating, onthe basis of the instruction from the input operation unit 21, aprescribed pattern SP that is associated in advance with an imageswitching instruction related to an operation of switching two or morescreens subjected to PBP/PIP display on the display unit 14 of the imagedisplay apparatus 1.

As the prescribed pattern SP that is generated, there is aone-dimensional code such as a bar code, a two-dimensional code such asa QR code (registered trademark), or the like. The prescribed pattern SPmay be a code or geometric design in which specific numerals,characters, signs, and the like are combined.

Note that, the prescribed pattern generation unit 23 may not be a partthat is incorporated in the external device 2 in advance and may beconfigured, for example, by installing an application program related toan image switching operation of the image display apparatus 1 on theexternal device 2 and starting an application.

The device image processing unit 24 is a part for processing an image,which is to be displayed on the device display unit 25, to be suitablefor an output and superimposing the prescribed pattern SP generated bythe prescribed pattern generation unit 23 with the image.

The device display unit 25 is a part for performing display of the imageprocessed by the device image processing unit 24 and has a similarconfiguration to that of the display unit 14.

The image output unit 26 is a part for outputting an image signal to theimage display apparatus 1 through the image cable 3.

Though not illustrated, the image display apparatus 1 includes, forexample, an operation unit that receives an instruction from, the user,an input terminal unit that is connected to a terminal of the externaldevice 2, such as an analog input terminal such as a VGA terminal or acomponent terminal, a DVI terminal, an HDMI terminal, or a DisplayPort(DP) terminal, and inputs an image signal from the external device 2, anon-volatile memory that stores necessary information for achievingvarious functions of the image display apparatus 1, such as static textof a control program, log information, user setting information, orsystem information, a volatile memory that temporarily stores variousdata and is used also as a working area or the like for a program, atimer that counts lapse time of various processing of the image displayapparatus 1, a light receiving unit that receives an infrared (IR)signal from a remote controller, and a communication unit that performscommunication in a wired or wireless manner with the external device 2and transmits or receives image data or the like.

<Procedure of Image Switching Operation of Image Display-Apparatus 1From External Device 2>

Next, an outline of an image switching operation of the image displayapparatus 1 from the external device 2 will be described with referenceto FIGS. 3A and 3B.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are explanatory views illustrating an outline of animage switching operation for an image displayed on the display unit 14of the image display apparatus 1 according to the disclosure. FIG. 3Aillustrates an example where images input from the external devices 2 ato 2 d are subjected to PBP display on the display unit 14 of the imagedisplay apparatus 1 in the image display system 100 according to thedisclosure and FIG. 3B illustrates a case where an image 3 that isdisplayed in a small screen and an image 1 that is displayed in a largescreen are switched for display in the display unit 14 of the imagedisplay apparatus 1 of FIG. 3A.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, assumed is a case where images 1 to 4 thatare input from the external devices 2 a to 2 d in a wired or wirelessmanner are subjected to PBP display on the display unit 14 of the imagedisplay apparatus 1.

In FIG. 3A, the image 1 from the external device 2 a is displayed in thelarge screen on a left side of the display unit 14 and the images 2 to 4from, the external devices 2 b to 2 d are displayed in small screens inorder from an upper side on a right side of the display unit 14.

Note that, one or more external devices 2 connected to the image displayapparatus 1 may include a device on which an application program relatedto the image switching operation of the image display apparatus 1 is notinstalled or a device that does not include the device display unit 25.

Here, it is assumed that a user of the external device 2 b intends todisplay the image 3 instead of the image 1 in the large screen on thedisplay unit 14 as illustrated in FIG. 3B.

At this time, in the existing manner, the image 3 is generally displayedin the large screen by performing an operation of switching the imagesby an operation unit (not illustrated) of the image display apparatus 1or an attached remote controller, but it is not convenient for the userwhen the external device 2 b is at a position apart from the imagedisplay apparatus 1 or when the remote controller is not on hand.

Thus, in Embodiment 1 of the disclosure, the user of the external device2 b displays a prescribed pattern SP that is determined in advance tosuperimpose with an image displayed on the device display unit 25 of theexternal device 2 b and transmits image data related to the imageincluding the prescribed pattern SP to the image display apparatus 1.

The prescribed pattern SP is associated in advance with an imageswitching instruction for an image to be displayed on the display unit14 of the image display apparatus 1, and when receiving image datarelated to the image including the prescribed pattern SP, the imagedisplay apparatus 1 performs an image switching operation based on theimage switching instruction.

As described above, it is possible to realize the image display system100 that is able to display the image 3 in the large screen through animage input from the external device 2 without using a special systemfor command control.

Next, procedure of an image switching operation in the external device 2for an image to be displayed on the display unit 14 of the image displayapparatus 1 according to the disclosure will be described with referenceto FIGS. 4 and 5A to 5C.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating procedure of the image switchingoperation in the external device 2 for the image to be displayed on thedisplay unit 14 of the image display apparatus 1 according to thedisclosure. FIGS. 5A to 5C are explanatory views illustrating a specificexample of the image switching operation in the external device 2 forthe image to be displayed on the display unit 14 of the image displayapparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the disclosure and illustratinga series of procedure of the image switching operation in the externaldevice 2.

In Embodiment 1, it is assumed that the user installs in advance anapplication program for switching an input of the image to be displayedon the display unit 14 of the image display apparatus 1 on the externaldevice 2 to be connected to the image display apparatus 1.

When the application is installed, an icon 201 for starting theapplication is displayed in a task bar at a bottom part of the devicedisplay unit 25 of the external device 2 as illustrated in FIG. 5A.

At step S1 of FIG. 4, the device control unit 20 of the external device2 determines whether or not the application for the image switchingoperation starts (step S1).

In a case where the application starts (in a case where Yes isdetermined at step S1), the device control unit 20 causes the devicedisplay unit 25 to display a list 202 of the application at step S2(step S2). Then, the device control unit 20 performs determination ofstep S3 (step S3).

On the other hand, in a case where the application does not start (in acase where No is determined at step S1), the device control unit 20repeats the determination of step S1 (step S1).

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5B, when the icon 201 is activated,the list 202 for an operation of the application is displayed in apredetermined region of the device display unit 25.

The list 202 is displayed immediately above the icon 201 in FIGS. 5B and5C, but may be displayed in another region.

In the list 202, items of “division display”, “display this PC on mainscreen”, “switch to HDMI”, “switch to DVI”, and “switch to DP” aredisplayed in order from an upper side.

Note that, the items of the list 202 are not limited to the itemsdescribed above and may include an item different from theaforementioned items in accordance with a function of the image displayapparatus 1.

Next, at step S3, the device control unit 20 determines whether or notany item is selected from among the items displayed in the list 202(step S3).

In a case where any of the items is selected (in a case where Yes isdetermined at step S3), the device control unit 20 displays, in apredetermined region of the device display unit 25, a prescribed patternSP corresponding to the selected item at step S4 (step S4). Then, thedevice control unit 20 performs determination of step S5 (step S5).

On the other hand, in a case where any of the items is not selected (ina case where No is determined at step S3), the device control unit 20repeats the determination of step S3 (step S3).

Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 5C, when the user selects the itemof “display this PC on main screen”, the prescribed pattern SPcorresponding to the item is displayed in an upper right region (forexample, such as a region with 100 dots×100 dots at an upper rightcorner) of the device display unit 25.

Note that, the display region of the prescribed pattern SP is notlimited to the upper right region of the device display unit 25 and maybe at any place.

Next, at step S5, the device control unit 20 determines whether or not apredetermined time (for example, three seconds) has lapsed afterdisplaying the prescribed pattern SP on the device display unit 25 (stepS5).

In a case where the predetermined time has lapsed (in a case where Yesis determined at step S5), the device control unit 20 deletes theprescribed pattern SP from the device display unit 25 at step S6 (stepS6). Then, the device control unit 20 performs determination of step S7(step S7).

On the other hand, in a case where the predetermined time has not lapsed(in a case where No is determined at step S5), the device control unit20 repeats the processing of step S4 (step S4).

Next, the device control unit 20 determines whether or not aninstruction to end the application is received at step S7 (step S7).

When receiving the instruction to end the application (Yes is determinedat step S7), the device control unit 20 ends the processing of the imageswitching operation (step S7).

On the other hand, when not receiving the instruction to end theapplication (No is determined at step S7), the device control unit 20repeats the determination of step S3 (step S3).

Next, procedure of the image switching operation in the image displayapparatus 1 for the image to be displayed on the display unit 14 of theimage display apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the disclosurewill be described with reference to FIG. 6.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the image switchingoperation in the image display apparatus 1 for the image to be displayedon the display unit 14 of the image display apparatus 1 according toEmbodiment 1 of the disclosure.

At step S11 of FIG. 6, the control unit 10 copies, to the memory forimage determination 15, image data related to an image displayed in apredetermined region among pieces of image data stored in the memoriesfor display 12 a to 12 d (step S11).

Next, at step S12, the control unit 10 causes the image determinationunit 16 to determine the image data that is copied to the memory forimage determination 15 (step S12).

Then, at step S13, the control unit 10 causes the image determinationunit 16 to determine whether or not an image related to the image dataincludes a prescribed pattern SP that is determined in advance (stepS13).

In a case where the prescribed pattern SP that is determined in advanceis included (in a case where Yes is determined at step S13), the controlunit 10 causes the image processing unit 13 to execute an imageswitching instruction corresponding to the prescribed pattern SP at stepS14 (step S14).

After that, the control unit 10 performs determination of step S15 (stepS15).

On the other hand, in a case where the prescribed pattern SP that isdetermined in advance is not included (in a case where No is determinedat step S13), the control unit 10 performs determination of step S15(step S15).

Next, at step S15, the control unit 10 determines whether or not imagedata of all the memories for display 12 a to 12 d to which the externaldevices 2 a to 2 d are connected is checked (step S15).

In a case where the image data of all the memories for display 12 a to12 d is checked (in a case where Yes is determined at step S15), at stepS16, the control unit 10 performs switching to the first memory fordisplay 12 a in checking order that is defined as default (step 316).After that, the control unit 10 performs determination of step S18 (stepS18).

On the other hand, in a case where the image data of all the memoriesfor display 12 a to 12 d is not checked (in a case where No isdetermined at step S15), the control unit 10 performs switching to thenext memory for display 12 a in the checking order at step S17 (stepS17). After that, the control unit 10 performs determination of step S18(step S18).

Next, at step S18, the control unit 10 determines whether or not apredetermined time (for example, 10 ms to 300 ms etc., after previouschecking of image data) has lapsed (step S18).

In a case where the predetermined time has lapsed (in a case where Yesis determined at step S18), the control unit 10 repeats the processingof step S11 (step S11).

On the other hand, in a case where the predetermined time has not lapsed(in a case where No is determined at step S18), the control unit 10repeats the determination of step S18 (step S18).

In this manner, the control unit 10 regularly causes the imagedetermination unit 16 to determine whether or not image data receivedfrom the external devices 2 a to 2 d includes the prescribed pattern SPand the image processing unit 13 to execute an image switchinginstruction associated with the prescribed pattern SP.

Thus, it is possible to easily realize the image switching operation ofthe image display apparatus 1 through image data transmitted from theexternal devices 2 a to 2 d to the image display apparatus 1, withoutusing a remote controller for an operation or a special system for acontrol signal.

Embodiment 2

Next, procedure of an image switching operation in the external device 2for an image to be displayed on the display unit 14 of the image displayapparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the disclosure will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7C.

FIGS. 7A to 7C are explanatory views illustrating a specific example ofthe image switching operation in the external device 2 for the image tobe displayed on the display unit 14 of the image display apparatus 1according to Embodiment 2 of the disclosure. FIGS. 7A to 7C areexplanatory views illustrating a series of procedure of the imageswitching operation in the external device 2.

In Embodiment 1, the list 202 for an operation of the application forswitching an input of an image is displayed in the predetermined regionof the device display unit 25 in a fixed manner.

On the other hand, in Embodiment 2, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, when theapplication starts, a list 203 that is able to be moved by dragging isdisplayed.

When any of items displayed in the list 203 is selected by the user, aprescribed pattern SP corresponding to the item is displayed in an upperright region of the device display unit 25.

Thereby, the user is able to place the list 203 at a free position, thusmaking it possible to enhance convenience for the user in the imageswitching operation of the image display apparatus 1.

Note that, in Embodiment 2, the application for switching an input of animage may start by general starting procedure without displaying theicon 201 in the task bar.

Embodiment 3

Next, procedure of an image switching operation in the external device 2for an image to be displayed on the display unit 14 of the image displayapparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3 of the disclosure will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C.

FIGS. 8A to 8C are explanatory views illustrating a specific example ofthe image switching operation in the external device 2 for the image tobe displayed on the display unit 14 of the image display apparatus 1according to Embodiment 3 of the disclosure. FIGS. 8A to 8C areexplanatory views illustrating a series of procedure of the imageswitching operation in the external device 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 8A, in Embodiment 3, a list 204 for an operationof the application for switching an input of an image is displayed in apredetermined region of the device display unit 25, similarly toEmbodiment 1.

A difference from Embodiment 1 lies in that a prescribed pattern SP isdisplayed in a predetermined region of the list 204 as illustrated inFIG. 8C.

Thereby, since the prescribed pattern SP is displayed in the region ofthe list 204, there is no possibility that visibility for the list 204is interfered by display of the prescribed pattern SP, and determinationof the prescribed pattern SP is easily performed by the imagedetermination unit 16.

Embodiment 4

In Embodiment 2, in a case where the list 203 moves to the displayregion of the prescribed pattern SP, a part of the region of the list203 may be blank and the respective items of the list 203 may bedisplayed below the blank part so that the prescribed pattern SP doesnot overlap with the list 203.

Thereby, there is no possibility that visibility for the list 203 isinterfered by the prescribed pattern SP being displayed at a positionoverlapping the respective items of the list 203, and determination ofthe prescribed pattern SP is easily performed by the image determinationunit 16.

Embodiment 5

In Embodiment 2, in a case where the list 203 moves to the displayregion of the prescribed pattern SP, a display position of the list 203may be shifted to a region where the list 203 does not overlap with theprescribed pattern SP.

Thereby, since the display position of the list 203 moves to the regionwhere the list 203 does not overlap with the prescribed pattern SP,there is no possibility that visibility for the list 203 is interfered,and determination of the prescribed pattern SP is easily performed bythe image determination unit 16.

Embodiment 6

In Embodiments 1 to 5, the list 203 may be temporarily deleted while theprescribed pattern SP is displayed.

Thereby, since the list 203 is deleted while the prescribed pattern SPis displayed, it is possible to avoid a case where it becomes difficultfor the image determination unit 16 to determine the prescribed patternSP due to the list 203 and the prescribed pattern SP being positioned atoverlapping positions.

Embodiment 7

At step S14 of FIG. 6, in a case where the control unit 10 causes theimage processing unit 13 to execute the image switching instructioncorresponding to the prescribed pattern SP, the control unit 10 may notreceive an image switching operation for a predetermined time (forexample, for one second).

Thereby, it is possible to suppress image switching processing frombeing frequently performed when image switching operations are performedsimultaneously by a plurality of external devices 2.

Moreover, in a case where an image switching operation is performed by aspecific external device 2, there is also an effect of suppressing thesame processing from being performed redundantly by further executingthe processing of steps S11 to 13.

Embodiment 8

The prescribed pattern SP may be displayed in a less visible manner forthe user, and examples thereof include a pattern formed of fine dots anda pattern that is displayed for a very short time.

Thereby, since the prescribed pattern SP that is displayed on the devicedisplay unit 25 of the external device 2 is made less visible,convenience for the user is enhanced.

Embodiment 9

In Embodiments 1 to 8, considered is a case where an image including aprescribed pattern SP is determined by the image determination unit 16,and on the basis of an image switching instruction associated with theprescribed pattern SP, the image switching instruction is executed.

On the other hand, in Embodiment 9, the external device 2 may generate aprescribed pattern SP of a sound signal with a sine wave, a rectangularwave, or the like, which is associated with an image switchinginstruction, a sound determination unit provided in the image displayapparatus 1 may determine the prescribed pattern SP, and on the basis ofthe image switching instruction associated with the prescribed patternSP, the image switching instruction may be executed.

Thereby, since the image switching instruction is able to be transmittedto the image display apparatus 1 from the external device 2 withoutdisplaying the prescribed pattern SP on the device display unit 25 ofthe external device 2, convenience for the user is enhanced.

Aspects of the disclosure also include an aspect in which some of theplurality of aspects described above are combined.

Various modifications of the disclosure may be attained other than theembodiments described above. Such modifications should not be deemed tobe out of the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure should includeequivalent meanings to the scope of claims, and all of modifications inthe scope.

The present disclosure contains subject matter related to that disclosedin Japanese Priority Patent Application JP 2017-080693 filed in theJapan Patent Office on Apr. 14, 2017, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image display apparatus comprising: an imagereception unit that receives image data from an external device; adisplay unit that displays an image related to the image data; a settingchanging unit that changes, in accordance with an instruction determinedin advance, a setting determined in advance; an image determination unitthat determines whether or not a prescribed pattern determined inadvance is included in the image related to the image data; a storageunit that holds the instruction in association with the prescribedpattern in advance; and a control unit that, when the imagedetermination unit determines that the prescribed pattern is included inthe image related to the image data, causes the setting changing unit tochange the setting in accordance with the instruction associated withthe prescribed pattern.
 2. The image display apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the prescribed pattern is a one-dimensional ortwo-dimensional code.
 3. The image display apparatus according to claim1, wherein the setting includes at least one of settings related toimage display, sound input or output, color mode switching, and networkconnection.
 4. An external device that outputs image data to the imagedisplay apparatus according to claim 1, the external device comprising:an input operation unit that receives an input operation from a user;the prescribed pattern generation unit that generates, on a basis of theinput operation, a prescribed pattern associated with an instruction forthe image display apparatus; an image output unit that outputs imagedata to the image display apparatus; and a device control unit that,when the input operation unit receives an input operation indicatingthat an instruction for the image display apparatus is to betransmitted, causes the prescribed pattern generation unit to generatethe prescribed pattern associated with the instruction in advance andcauses the image output unit to output image data related to theprescribed pattern.
 5. The external device according to claim 4, furthercomprising a device image processing unit that generates a superimposingimage in which the prescribed pattern is superimposed with an imagerelated to the image data to be output to the image display apparatus,wherein when the input operation unit receives the input operationindicating that the instruction for the image display apparatus is to betransmitted to the image display apparatus, the device control unitcauses the prescribed pattern generation unit to generate the prescribedpattern associated with the instruction in advance, causes the deviceimage processing unit to generate a superimposing image in which theprescribed pattern is superimposed with the image related to the imagedata, and causes the image output unit to output image data related tothe superimposing image to the image display apparatus.
 6. The externaldevice according to claim 5, further comprising a device display unit,wherein the device control unit causes the device display unit todisplay a list in which an item related to the instruction is displayedto be selectable, and, when the input operation unit receives executionof the instruction displayed in the list, causes the prescribed patterngeneration unit to generate the prescribed pattern associated with theinstruction in advance, causes the device image processing unit togenerate the superimposing image in which the prescribed pattern issuperimposed with the image, and causes the image output unit to outputthe image data related to the superimposing image to the image displayapparatus.
 7. The external device according to claim 6, wherein theprescribed pattern is displayed in the device display unit at a positionwhich is determined in advance.
 8. The external device according toclaim 6, wherein the prescribed pattern is displayed in the devicedisplay unit at a position which does not overlap with that of the list.9. The external device according to claim 6, wherein the prescribedpattern is deleted after being displayed for a predetermined time on thedevice display unit.
 10. An image display method comprising: receivingimage data from an external device and displaying an image related tothe image data; receiving a prescribed pattern associated with aninstruction related to a change of a setting determined in advance;determining whether or not the prescribed pattern is included in theimage related to the image data; and when it is determined in thedetermining that the prescribed pattern is included, changing thesetting in accordance with the instruction associated with theprescribed pattern.
 11. An image display system comprising an externaldevice and an image display apparatus, the external device including aninput operation unit that receives an input operation from a user, aprescribed pattern generation unit that generates, on a basis of theinput operation, a prescribed pattern associated with an instruction forthe image display apparatus in advance, a device display unit thatdisplays an image, a device image processing unit that, generates asuperimposing image in which the prescribed pattern is superimposed withthe image, an image output unit that outputs image data related to thesuperimposing image to the image display apparatus, and a device controlunit that controls the input operation unit, the prescribed patterngeneration unit, the device display unit, the device image processingunit, and the image output unit, the image display apparatus includingan image reception unit that receives image data output from theexternal device, a display unit that displays an image related to theimage data, a setting changing unit that changes a setting determined inadvance, an image determination unit that determines whether or not theprescribed pattern is included in the image related to the image data, astorage unit that holds the instruction in association with theprescribed pattern in advance, and a control unit that controls theimage reception unit, the display unit, the setting changing unit, theimage determination unit, and the storage unit, wherein when the inputoperation unit receives an input operation indicating that aninstruction for the image display apparatus is to be transmitted, thedevice control unit causes the prescribed pattern generation unit togenerate the prescribed pattern associated with the instruction inadvance, causes the device image processing unit to generate asuperimposing image in which the prescribed pattern is superimposed withthe image, and causes the image output unit to output image data relatedto the superimposing image to the image display apparatus, and when theimage determination unit determines that the prescribed pattern isincluded in the image related to the image data, the control unit causesthe setting changing unit to change the setting in accordance with theinstruction associated with the prescribed pattern.